We Are Not The Same, Ha

I love this! Totally identify with reading part of a book or just the back cover and making up a very creative book report! Or one year we had the option of either a report or an art project illustrating the theme of the book. I sure made The Hound of the Baskervilles look sinister and scary... even though I did not read a single page! Was it even about dogs?!

So much creative thinking required by my generation!

Things are different today. I would not want to be a teacher of any kind trying to determine if their students are good writers – or just good AI users. Oof.

There's been so much news – frankly disturbing – in recent days about AI. Like Doomsday-type news. I really don't know what it all means or what to believe. But as a professional writer for nearly 40 years, it's been a hot button in my field for some time.

Some of my co-workers use it a lot and some of us just rely on the skills we've honed for decades. I'm kind of defensive about it. Can you tell? LOL.

As a mentor of interns the past two summers, I told them quite frankly that AI can help you write your resume and your cover letter, but it can't help you answer questions in your "live" job interview. You need to develop critical thinking skills. No "machine" can replace that.

It probably helped that us X-ers had to do a lot of legwork to cobble information together and make cohesive sense of it for school work. No Internet. Just card catalogs in the library. And potentially outdated encyclopedias. I still got straight A's so I'm guessing that was sufficient information for the time. 

As Carter went through high school, I was kind of jealous how easy it was for him with his access to worldwide information. That would have been SO handy as a newspaper reporter in the '90s!!!

Today I feel a bit (mildly right now) threatened because it can replace all my income streams – writing, graphic design, and photography. I sure hope my retirement countdown on my phone expires before "humanity" will! 

God, save us all!

That Damn C Word

 

So... fricking cancer claimed the life of one of our favorite coworkers when we were at the newspaper. Granted, we exited in 2003 but we – at a minimum – have exchanged Christmas cards ever since.

I think what both Jim and I remember is that Diane always had a smile on her face. Even when we had last-minute changes of where ads had to be placed, etc. for the day's newspaper edition.

In a weird coincidence of the way-back time machine, I was in Lamaze class with Diane's son and daughter-in-law, who delivered their boy about a week or so before Carter. Diane watched them both on a few occasions over their toddler years and that's why we occasionally her called her "Grandma Diane."

Ugh.

I sometimes think during funeral times that it stinks how many people we know. But then have to pause and remember... they were pretty amazing people, how lucky were we that we got to spend part of our lives with them?

Just something to ponder.

The Staying Power of Sisterhood

As a very amateur photographer, I sometimes wonder what draws me to the amazing young women participating in high school sports.

I am really starting to get it now.

1. I have 6 sisters so I'm keenly aware of the power of supportive sisterhood.
2. My high school was too small to offer all of the girls' sports opportunities.
3. I'm a boy mom and there was never an opportunity/option to raise a girl in this atmosphere.
4. As I age, I realize that once we "outgrow" the instinctively "catty years," many of us sisters end up supporting each other.

Why does this matter today? Well, first, I took the picture at a softball game tonight that was not going our way and I love how our catcher went out to calm down our pitcher and assure her she has this and she's doing great.

And .... This was following a crap day at work and (sorry Mom in heaven) a recent shit-show of several weeks at work.

The negative things I have discovered (and bear with this 50+ lady) is that after surviving the first decade of my career as a newspaper reporter and talked down to by city and county officials as "sweetheart" as if "bless you for trying." Then into the bigger publishing world where a female publisher had to act extra tough and aggressive to match her male counterparts – and us worker bees suffering as a result. And now (as a female obviously and at that special age) feeling undervalued and fighting for what I desire and, more importantly deserve, it's been a ... crap spring.

While hubby and I should be looking forward to retirement on the horizon... his way closer than mine... I am in a negative mindset. So negative with recent things at work. (Though I still absolutely love the company and its benefits.)

But the positive, as always since forever, is that there is this random network of sisters at work who get it and are willing to give me a hug and try to convince me to not feel "undervalued," but recognize how valued I am!

I'm sharing because I want high school girls to latch onto this. Don't be a "Mean Girl." Extend the support to your "sisters" (on a sports team or wherever) and they'll extend it back.

College girls, same thing but also stand firm that you've learned things and deserve a job.

Early career girls... prove your worth through your work quality first before getting cocky. 

And the rest of us... if you are a great sister (aka supporter), I think you'll find women who return the favor.

Not to say men can't do this ... because a male co-worker took me lunch today to talk me off the ledge... but just lean into the opportunity to support (and hopefully enjoy) the potential staying power of sisterhood.

End note: I'll be OK. I just have things to think about. And I did get a few of the best hugs this week!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!

Snoop, Meet Myles

After watching some coverage of the Olympics, I have two thoughts about Snoop Dogg. One, I don't know why we keep elevating his status. I mean I don't DIS-like him, just don't get the fascination. And two, he needs to spend some time in Wisconsin and Minnesota in the winter to really understand winter. 

And how to do it.

I saw a video of him riding a flying saucer type sled and having no concept what to do. Then these pictures of him as a curling "coach." Well thankfully, our U.S. duo is off to a good start anyway! And he may prove me wrong and curl in the next Olympics. 

It brought up an old curling memory, though. (Something you never thought you'd read.)

Shortly after moving to Wisconsin Rapids in late 1995, I recall a local guy here vying for the Olympics. Myles Brundidge. I even remembered his name!

What I also remember is that I had no idea what curling really was. Apparently there's sweeping but it's not the same as broom ball (if you know, you know.) It was also not something I purposely watched before. (Part of that is because in the late 1990s, we still had limited coverage of all events compared to today's live-streaming and whatnot.) And it definitely hadn't achieved the great popularity it has now – well in the Midwest anyway. Heck, even my company has a curling center named after it!

Then there was the part where the curlers didn't look like "typical" Olympic athletes. No offense. But maybe I already offended. Sorry.

But Myles did indeed represent U.S.A. in not one but two Olympics! My sports writer hubby got to meet and interview him a handful of times and said he was a nice, down-to-earth guy. Which is quite refreshing, actually, when you think of some high-level athletes these days.

Here's the Robyn-pedia scoop (not Snoop) on him: Myles Brundidge (born 1960 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin) is an American curler. He competed at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, where the American team placed 4th, and at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where they placed 7th.

So no hardware to bring home, but he was certainly a positive representative of our country – and, of course, central Wisconsin!

Snoop could maybe learn a thing or two from us hardworking (mostly humble) survivalist-minded winter people! 

Whatever your thoughts... enjoy the Games!!

Post-Holiday Celebration

After our Friday Christmas celebration with all the Austins, our holiday celebration continued on Saturday morning with the three boys and their special ladies.

I'm not ashamed to brag but I made a very tasty egg and spicy sausage egg bake.

And grandpup Rey was the most well-behaved and well-loved girl in the house! Love days like that.

After the house was empty, I did some yarn shopping in Point for a special project. And today was church in the morning and a different kind of celebration this afternoon.

Hubby has developed quite the cough so I went by myself to give our friend (and 20 years' former newspaper coworker) condolences since she just lost her husband to cancer. Naturally, I arrive crying and saying I totally meant to be strong for HER! Ooof. I did see a few other newspaper coworkers so that was nice to catch up, too.

Wasn't long after that our predicted snow storm made it self known. We'll see what it dumps on us tonight. Since I'm on vacation and neither one of us has any place to go on Monday, I think we'll be just fine.

If you're traveling, though, be safe out there!

Looks Like Christmas-ish

There are certain people who cannot resist mint chocolate – especially during Christmas season and, well, during St. Patrick's/Shamrock Shake time either. Me. I am those people!

Today, since I was actually home on a Saturday with no solid plans, I checked out some holiday expo that was being held at the Hotel Mead. Well it was HUGE this year with 80+ vendors spread out all over the first floor of the hotel, filling conference/banquet rooms and the lobby. I ran into so many people I knew, too, making it the best social hour (er, 90+ minutes) ever!

I had no real agenda or shopping list in mind (rookie mistake) but I found plenty to buy – including the homemade mint-chocolate bark pictured. Also, Millers' Amish farm had Coconut Creme fry pies as their featured flavor of the day. I bought 2 for the "deal" and said I didn't plan on sharing them! I did buy some fresh garlic beef sticks for hubby (possibly to appease my guilt) and a few stocking stuffers, but not really that much. 

Still it really got me in the mood for the upcoming season. I may have to turn on Hallmark tonight!

When I got home, Jim and I went up to Stevens Point to visit an old newspaper friend we very much keep in touch with – who just had some back/neck fusion type surgery. Great to see Scottie, but wow, I would not do well being in a neck brace for 12 weeks! So many hugs and prayers, my friend.

Got home and decided to work on our family Christmas card because Walgreens has a 70% off deal until 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT! Well, that's been interesting. I asked the boys for pictures of them and their ladies. I didn't think I had to point out "from 2025" but Mr. Smooth had a nice picture from early 2024 in Raleigh, N.C. Nope. Mom says no. Follow the basic rules of family Christmas cards everywhere. Also, while I think he and his girl are super photogenic, people can be hyper-sensitive so I am respecting that.

And sending them the bill if they can't agree on something well before midnight for this discount!

You're right, that is pretty Grinch-y. Maybe I will just head to the basement for a 2-hour Hallmark timeout. 

Looks and feels like the Christmas-y thing to do! Embrace the season, my friends.

Trifle Tuesday Has My Vote!

As a former newspaper reporter and editor, I still get a little PTSD on Election Day. I should say Election Night! Waiting, waiting, "hold the press until results come in" waiting.

With more than a decade of experience in the trenches, I was schooled to be neutral (or write neutral) on just about any type of public decisions – including elections. I mean all my reporting had to be unbiased. I still can't break that habit. I honestly have my opinions, but I just try to see both sides and don't exclaim to the masses how unjust or outrageous certain sides / candidates / campaigns, etc, are.

Even though the educated voter in me says, "Are you kidding me?"

According the machine at our town hall, my vote was "counted" today so that's what matters.

If I ran the world, though, of course I'd say Trifle Tuesday should be a national WEEKLY holiday. (See my Roll a Rolo to a Friend Trifle in Exhibit A above.) 

And really, can we NOT have a serious election on April Fool's Day? It just makes me very nervous for the coming hours. This is also why I'm blogging early. I might not be able to contain my allegedly neutral outside opinion later. 

But if you haven't voted, get out there. Our freedom to do so is not to be "trifled" with! 

CSI A.I.

All this artificial intelligence talk shouldn't be ignored. I mean, "they" (the A.I. folks) know things. Look at this "automated" response on my name test today. This is so 100% accurate for unfiltered Robyn!

But it is a bit unnerving sometimes, isn't it?

Whether it's autocorrect in your Word document or in your texting app, "they" know things. Like when I tried texting hubby the name of a town starting with an S and "it" automatically thought I was typing "sensual." H-m-m. One, where did that come from? And two, keep my secrets, smartphone!

But a side note, this A.I. business is a threat to my career. For real. Who needs reporters and writers of any kind when you can just plug in a few key words to your A.I. app and you're in business? Kinda crazy.

By the time I retire (not soon enough) I will have survived the daily desire for paper newspapers and magazines (hello, online publishing) and the need for human writers. Pretty unnerving.

But obviously, as a woman who won't be remembered for keeping her mouth shut, I'll keep you posted.

Stay safe out there – and keep command of your own voice. In any form!

The Long Road Home

I returned to my home... my old stomping grounds today – Marinette WI and Menominee MI – where I had my first newspaper job out of college. Over the years, I've been back several times. But the last time I was there it was last fall for the unexpected death and funeral of my friend and former co-worker Cindy. 

Today I was there to take senior photos of her granddaughter Madison – daughter of Sara, who I've known since she was 7.

A bittersweet day in that respect. But so good to see these amazing young women again! Cindy would be so proud.

We went up to Henes Park in Menominee and then along historic 1st Street where I have a ton of memories since our newspaper office was there (and where I got hit by a car).

Also, over the years, I considered this MY lighthouse! So it was cool to be on the Menominee Pier again. Lighthouse hair, don't care!

Also got to see my and Cindy's friend and former co-worker Sally and one of her grandchildren. My heart is full! We are all still grieving but finding joy in family – and friendship – moments.

Naturally I waited until my 2 1/2 hour drive home to feel the storm of emotions – as I headed into the first of two storms on the way back to Rapids. I think this post today from my friend Gene says it best...

As tears stream down my face as I type this, I realize yes, I am so lucky. Not only for Cindy's friendship, but the next generation and generation after that of friendship, family, and love!

Treasure your friends, folks!! 

Turn Back the Clocks -- If Only

Fitting that we turn back the clocks tonight when I've been trying to turn back time all day.

Drove up to Marinette this morning for my friend Cindy's memorial service. Saw this sign as soon as I walked into the funeral home. Spot on. That's what's been going through my mind all week – treasured memories of a friendship I treasured.

Not gonna lie. It was a tough day. While it was great to see her family and my friend Sally, it was heartbreaking knowing the reason. Definitely had some body-shaking sobs left in me. That's where good hugs get you! But it feels good when someone's there to hold you up. 

At least there were some laughs in there. It was a celebration of life, after all. And what Cin would've wanted...

What a perfectly selected poem for her. We'll work on that.

After the service and my goodbyes, I went by the old newspaper office where Cindy and I first met 32 years ago. The Menominee newspaper merged with Marinette's five or so years later. So now our old office building is just a retail space of some sort.

But it holds a ton of memories, including getting hit by a car while sitting outside on a bench in front. They don't have a bench there anymore! I'm pretty sure I've shared this story before. If not, I will on a different day. But that's the time I saved Cindy's life by pushing her out of the way and taking the hit. Guess we were bonded for life after that.

Swung by my lighthouse down the street. It was cold and rainy and windy so I didn't walk all the way out. Plus I needed to get back to Rapids for a wedding for the son of hubby's cousin.

I texted Jim: "If I go straight there, I'll be late. If I stop home first to see how you're doing, I'll be really late." Even though he was on his own all day, he was fine with letting me bypass the house. Despite a super windy drive back and an unexpected detour thanks to an accident, I did manage to sit down at The Ridges in time to eat dinner with my family. Missed the wedding ceremony but was able to visit with my in-laws, nephew and his family, and plenty of other relatives on the Austin side.

It sort of brought the day full circle as far as emotions go. Quite the rollercoaster. But I'm grateful each segment of that full circle included love and at least a little laughter.

Treasure your loved ones! 

Road Worthy 2.0

On June 18th,  my "Road Worthy" blog was about a trip to Marinette that almost didn't happen because I had to do the hundreds of miles of driving by myself. I wondered if a graduation party for a friend's grandson was worth the solo road trip plus extreme price of gas. In the end, I decided to go so I could see my girlfriends of three decades: Cindy (left in photo) and Sally.

I wrote: "These friends are worth more than the price of gas! If I didn't go and something happened to one of them, I'd regret it forever."

I did not realize that day would arrive so soon. 

After taking pictures at the state cross country meet today I was heading for the shuttle bus and my phone was buzzing with a call from Sally. We don't usually call each other. We text. I knew right away something must be wrong. But never was I more shocked to hear the words "Cindy died last night." Totally unexpected. Likely a heart attack, but I don't for sure. 

I got down on one knee amidst cross country spectator traffic and just tried to process the news. I was devastated. Still am. As I've written before, she was my family up there. And I watched her beautiful children grow up like they were my family, too. Those poor broken-hearted kids! 

If you go back and read that blog you'll understand why my heart is shattered, too. And my closing statement that day still rings true. More so today than ever:

"My advice: Always take the trip. Make the time. See that person. Get that hug. Always!"

Do it!

Press Conference

Wherever two or more reporters gather, it is a press conference. Either that or a reunion 20-plus years in the making.

I'm sure you recall that the early '90s were legendary years for newspaper coverage in Marinette and Menominee (Mich.) thanks to ace reporters Laura and Kristin at the Marinette Eagle Star and me at the Menominee Herald-Leader. Today those legends returned.

I brought my 1992 Menominee Waterfront Festival t-shirt out of the archives last night. This morning my long-time friends Laura and Kristin and I met up in Green Bay (where Kristin flew in last night from her home in Seattle) and trekked up to our old stomping grounds. We were all fresh college grads when we were worked there, becoming the best of friends and making a million memories before going our separate ways more than two decades ago. I last saw Kristin in person when Carter was 1. And saw Laura last month when her daughter was playing softball in nearby Plover. This trip down Memory Lane today was a long time in the making! And it was awesome, awesome, awesome.

Our first stop was the Pine Tree Mall, where we enjoyed shopping at the Gap and I can't remember where else. Sad that the sign only shows JCPenney, which is closing in 4 days. The rest of the mall is pretty empty, but locals tell us there is about to be a comeback there. Good luck.

Even more sad is that our two favorite watering holes are now a boutique and, you guessed it, a bridal shop. What the heck. As long as we looked like a bridal party, we might as well get our photo taken by some dresses! Not sure it is just a coincidence that we leave town and the bars go out of business.

Had lunch on the waterfront at a place called the Serving Spoon. Since we are celebrities, we held a meet and greet with fans there over the lunch hour. Our guests included our friend and fellow socialite Stacey...

And former PD dispatcher "Grandpa Joe." Awesome to see them!

This stained-glass piece of art was hanging in the restaurant. I really should have bought it since I love that lighthouse! And yes, we did see it.

Toured around the marina after lunch. Forgot how windy and wavy it is off of Green Bay.

Always an assortment of impressive boats.

My lighthouse!!

They now have a pathway to make it easier to the get to the breakwall and walk out to the lighthouse.

Had some young lady take our picture. I guess I should have made it clear I wanted the whole lighthouse in the frame. Should have used our selfie stick!

We stopped at each of our former residences, too. I used to live in the upstairs apartment of this house. Sad that there is now a handicap ramp AND a Packers logo in the front window. There goes the neighborhood.

Also swung into the fire department because, well, history.

This was my newspaper office building across from the Menominee marina. We occupied the bottom floor. At the time, we were separate newspapers but both owned by the same company and both printed at the Marinette facility. Less than a year after I left in 1994 (those two got out of town before me), the two newspapers merged to become the Eagle Herald.

Thanks to our investigative reporter skills (aka Google), we tracked down the former Marinette editor. Larry is 86 years old and as sharp as a tack. He not only remembered who we were but plenty of details, too. It was awesome to see him!

From there, we stopped at the newspaper office to see who was still there that we would remember from 25 years ago.

We found Dan (middle), who is the editor now and was the city reporter when I covered Marinette council meetings, and Tim, a county reporter. The sports editor we knew is still there but wasn't on duty for the evening yet.

Had to walk into the press room to smell the ink and pretend to yell "Stop the presses." For as much fun as we had off duty, we honestly loved being reporters, writing stories and scooping each other.

But mostly we just loved our time together – crafting art projects or crafting shenanigans. We were pretty good at both. But that will remain off the record.

TGFFF (Thank God For Flat Friends)

I don't always take Flat Stanley with me on social engagements, but when I do, he's not Stanley.

As most people know, the Flat Stanley Project was started to facilitate letter-writing by schoolchildren to each other as they document where Flat Stanley has accompanied them. I think due to social media it has morphed into other "Flat" people, pets and objects. People of all ages are sharing their good times with those who can't be with them beyond the flat sheet of paper.

Tonight I took my friend Flat Kristin with me to meet up with our friend Laura. The three of us were ace reporters in the Marinette-Menominee area oh some 25 years ago. We are actually reuniting in person – not flatly – 5 weeks from today when Kristin is back in Wisconsin.

Tonight, though, Laura's daughter was playing in a softball tournament in nearby Plover so we let our Flat friend know we were thinking about her better half in Seattle!

It was nice to visit with Laura and her hubby (I was in their wedding back in the day) and watch their daughter play – and win. They'll be close by all weekend but I won't see them. I have other plans with other special ladies.

And none of them are flat. And I mean that in the kindest way.

Common Sense and Sensibility

As a former news hound, my eyes and ears are always open for "breaking news." As a mother, my senses are particularly on high alert if that news story involves a shooter. Doesn't even have to be at a school. I want my child safe everywhere!

This afternoon, news broke of a shooting in the Wausau area. That's less than an hour up the road so it piques our interest and concern since we know people who live and/or work there.

By the end of the day, we'd learned four people including a police officer were killed in the shooting rampage. How awful! Any victims make it a tragedy. I feel badly for all of the family and friends who are in shock over today's events. I feel especially bad for the law enforcement and emergency personnel who make it their mission to keep people safe and save lives, but now must mourn one of their own who died trying.

So senseless.

In a perfect world (even non-perfect), our citizens would respect authority and, frankly, just respect human life. Period.

I don't know where common sense has disappeared to, but I hope it comes back in to people's heads and hearts – and fills some of those holes left by hatred, lack of respect, and lack of faith. There is just so much hurt.

God, please lay a healing hand on hearts broken today be sadness and anger. Put Your loving arms around Marathon County and all the men and women in blue.

Making It After All

It's not necessarily a bad thing to have a life role model from a television sitcom. As a child growing up in the '70s and '80s – and living just an hour-plus outside of the Twin Cities – I found that role model in "Mary Richards."

Funny, career-minded and in journalism, Mary Tyler Moore brought a face to a dream for a young wanna-be news reporter. Plus, she (or her character at least) liked the Vikings and Twins? Winner.

The photo above was shared on the Minnesota Twins Facebook page today as a tribute to MTM, who died today at the age of 80. That's her, tossing her hat in the air like she did in the opening credits of the Mary Tyler Moore show, while the theme song said, "You're gonna make it after all."

The sad irony in the show was that other characters would often mistake Mary as Lou Grant's secretary instead of on the producing team. That brought laughs but as Mr. Grant pointed out, the secretary actually made more money. When I say "sad irony" it's because that's probably not far from the truth, based on my life working in media and publishing.

The other sad irony – and I am not getting on a women's rights rant here – is that people still made that mistake/assumption 20 years later when I started my career as a newspaper reporter. I can't count how many times a male member of the city council or county board called me "sweetheart" or "honey." Would they say that to my male counterparts from the other newspapers and radio stations? Not likely.

My editor was a woman named Teri. Now granted, Teri/Terry could be a man or woman's name. However, I am sure I had called her a "she" or a "her" often enough when talking to my family. Maybe not.  

She, though, was a little miffed when she received a letter from my mother asking her to place an ad for a happy birthday message to me. Nice gesture, Mom, but you shouldn't have started the letter with a "Dear Sir" salutation. Took me awhile to live it down with my self-proclaimed feminist boss. And how can I chastise my mom for trying to do something sweet?

All that aside, I was and always have been serious about having a career and, like Mary, putting up with grief, dishing it out and having some fun along the way.

Thanks for turning the world on with your smile. And igniting my ambition with your grit and grace.

Democratic Process

Judging by the lines waiting at polling places before 7 a.m., America was ready to vote today!

This was the view at our township municipal building on my way to work. The pre-work crowd was lined up around the outside of the building so I went later before the pre-lunch crowd. Still had a bit of a wait, but not more than 10 minutes.

Deed done, then back to work.

Now, hubby and I have been watching the results roll in and the "projections" called on the various television news stations. I don't know what goes into making a projection, but I would be no good at it. As a former newspaper reporter and editor, we had to have the final numbers in hand to report anything. Even then it was still the "unofficial total" until the votes were canvassed the next day.

Part of me misses that election night excitement in the newsroom. Most of me, though, is glad I can go to bed and not worry about it. At this point, we did what we could do. My vote counted. Jim's vote counted. First-time voter Carter's vote counted. And now we move on.

Regardless of who wins, let keep this in mind...

If I had my own slogan, it would be "Make America Kind Again." I think we all need that.

Thanks for playing.

The Early Bird Gets... A Lot

The standing joke at bedtime is hubby asks me if I am getting up early for kickboxing. I typically answer, "Well, my alarm is set for later, but if I happen to wake up, I'll go."

When does one just happen to wake up for a 5:40 a.m. class? Well, today actually.

For some unknown reason I accidentally woke up at 5:19 a.m. Went to the bathroom and decided what the heck, I might as well stay up and go to class! I think the instructor just about passed out from shock, but other than that, it felt great to be kickboxing – with full use of my left leg and now healed psychotic nerve, no less.

Of course, I stopped at Kwik Trip on the route between class and home to get a Red Bull. I told the cashier a million-dollar idea: They should have a drive-thru for people who workout early in the morning and don't want to be seen by the general public! I think she took it under advisement. I was in too much of a hurry to get out of there before I ran into someone I knew!

Was awake enough for work today but the day dragged on. Probably because I could not wait for the end of the day.

Early last week, through some communication on Facebook, a longtime friend of mine and I realized we would be only 15 minutes away today when her daughter played softball in nearby Plover. Laura and I (and our friend Kristin, now living in Seattle) were a pretty tightknit trio of trouble, I mean reporters at the newspapers in Marinette and Menominee (Mich.) in the early '90s. We had a lot of fun, and it didn't always involve beer. Cross stitch, Friends and Knots Landing were also high priorities!

Here are the three of us (Kristin, Laura and me) after a heated broomball match amongst a bunch of newspaper people, circa 1993 maybe. I just know I could hardly get out of bed the next day. Ouch! (Oh. And my hair was not cut short, just in a pony tail of sorts.)

Fast forward to 2016 and we realized we had not seen each other since probably when I stood up in her wedding in 1994. Maybe we saw each other in1995, but either way, it's been 20 years.

So I raced over to Plover after work and got to watch her daughter Emma (a recent grad like Carter) win her softball game while Laura and I caught up on each other's lives, reminisced about old times and yes, thanked god there was no social media back in the day!

We did make sure to take a selfie to prove we haven't aged a bit AND to let our friend Kristin know that maybe this dynamic duo will make our way out to Seattle some day. Lord, is the West Coast ready for that? Not sure Northeast Wisconsin has recovered.

After our enjoyable but brief visit, I headed back to Rapids to meet up with Jim and his parents at Golden Sands Speedway. Our nephew Colin was racing tonight.

He did not have the best outing, with some mechanical issue right at the end of the feature. Still, it was good to see family, friends and this...

Yes, the early bird gets the worm, but she has to stay up to get all the great gifts during the day, plus a sunset.

Still not going to may a habit of this early rising business. But if was definitely worth it today!